This web log is a news and views blog. The primary aim is to provide an avenue for the expression and collection of ideas on sustainable, fair, and just, grassroot level development. Some of the topics that the blog will specifically address are: poverty reduction, rural development, educational issues, social empowerment, post-Tsunami relief and reconstruction, livelihood development, environmental conservation and bio-diversity.

US To Host Conference Tuesday On Rebuilding

COLOMBO -(Dow Jones)- The U.S. will host a conference next Tuesday for Sri Lankan and foreign companies keen to assist in the island's post-tsunami reconstruction efforts.

The conference, to be held in Colombo, will help interested parties to obtain information on the U.S. post-tsunami recovery program in Sri Lanka, the U.S. embassy in Sri Lanka said in a statement Friday.

The United States Agency for International Development anticipates that up to $35 million will be available (from the U.S.) for several projects," it said.

The projects include the construction of a bridge and the provision of water treatment and sanitation facilities in eastern Sri Lanka. In the south, there are plans to rebuild three fishery harbors and up to 14 vocational education schools.

Thousands of people were killed and 1 million were displaced in Sri Lanka after an earthquake near Indonesia caused huge waves to surge across the Indian Ocean on Dec. 26.